Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates

Rule on custody and access disputes, and enforce court orders regarding custody and support of children.

Read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.

Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.

Grant divorces and divide assets between spouses.

Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.

Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.

Award compensation for damages to litigants in civil cases in relation to findings by juries or by the court.

Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.

Preside over hearings and listen to allegations made by plaintiffs to determine whether the evidence supports the charges.

Research legal issues and write opinions on the issues.

Write decisions on cases.

Participate in judicial tribunals to help resolve disputes.

Advise attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel regarding conduct, issues, and proceedings.

Interpret and enforce rules of procedure or establish new rules in situations where there are no procedures already established by law.

Settle disputes between opposing attorneys.

Conduct preliminary hearings to decide issues such as whether there is reasonable and probable cause to hold defendants in felony cases.

Impose restrictions upon parties in civil cases until trials can be held.

Supervise other judges, court officers, and the court's administrative staff.

Provide information regarding the judicial system or other legal issues through the media and public speeches.

Perform wedding ceremonies.